The information provided below is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.

Prescription Medications

Anticholinergics

Common names include:

Darifenacin

Flavoxate

Oxybutynin

Solifenacin

Tolterodine

Trospium

Fesoterodine

These drugs act on the automatic nervous system to alter the balance between bladder pressure and sphincter tone. They specifically weaken the bladder emptying muscle, relieving incontinence that is caused by sudden urges to void due to a full or irritated bladder.
Possible side effects include:

Estrogen can also be given in oral, injectable, or transdermal forms, but topical is best for this condition.

Estrogen is the hormone that stimulates and maintains the breasts, ovaries, uterus, and vagina. At
menopause, estrogen levels drop dramatically and these organs begin to age. The tissue that supports the bladder is the anterior wall of the vagina. If this becomes weakened and stretched out, the bladder drops, and stress incontinence may result. Replacing estrogen in your body rejuvenates the vaginal wall and may cure the leaking.

Estrogen has both positive and negative effects. To avoid most of the side effects, estrogen for urinary stress incontinence can be given topically as a vaginal cream.

Possible side effects include:

More rapid growth of other female cancers, such as
breast
and
uterine
cancers

Gallbladder disease

Blood clots

High blood pressure

Botulinum Toxin Injections

Botulinum toxin type A
can be injected directly into bladder muscles during an outpatient procedure. For people with urge incontinence, botox may be able to relax the bladder muscle.

Possible side effects include:

Pain

Infection

Inflammation

Blood in the urine

Inability to empty the bladder, which may require using a catheter

Special Considerations

When using estrogen other than the topical creams, ask your doctor to discuss the pros and cons. Also, having a medical condition may mean that you cannot take certain medications. For example, some people who have
glaucoma
cannot use anticholinergics.

If you have bladder trouble, check with your doctor before using any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Many have urinary side effects.

If you are taking medications, follow these general guidelines:

Take the medication as directed. Do not change the amount or the schedule.

Ask what side effects could occur. Report them to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medication.

Do not share your prescription medication.

Medications can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one medication, including over-the-counter products and supplements.

Plan ahead for refills as needed.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Call your doctor if:

You have concerns about estrogen treatment

Side effects are causing significant problems

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.